Hidalgo, Texas - U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Hidalgo Port of Entry on Thursday seized Methamphetamine valued at approximately $76,500 during a routine vehicle inspection of a passenger vehicle.

On July 12, 2012 at Hidalgo International Bridge a CBP officer came in contact with a 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee driven by a man identified as a 24-year-old United States citizen from Santa Rosa, Texas. A primary inspection of the Jeep by CBP officers resulted in the vehicle and its sole occupant being referred to CBP secondary for further examination. During the secondary examination, CBP officers noted discrepancies in the vehicle’s axle. CBP officers conducted an intensive examination and discovered five packages containing a total of 2.32 kilograms (5.1 pounds) of alleged Methamphetamine hidden in the Jeep. The Methamphetamine from this seizure has an estimated street value of approximately $76,500.

CBP officers turned the driver over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement-Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI) special agents for further investigation. CBP officers seized the narcotics and the vehicle.

CBP officers in south Texas seize more than five pounds of methamphetamine

“A well-trained CBP officer presence at the port of entry has once again proven beneficial in the protection of our nation’s borders. This load of alleged methamphetamine was discovered by Hidalgo CBP officers working on the frontline. I applaud our officers for the work they do on a daily basis; and for keeping our country safe from these dangerous drugs,” said Efrain Solis, Port Director, Hidalgo/Pharr/Anzalduas Port of Entry.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.